£5,545.00

A versatile, portable triggered differential USB pulse generator

Pulse heads

Internal construction of pulse head

The PicoSource PG900 Series are low-jitter triggered differential USB pulse generators. Pulse outputs are optimized for broad spectral content (fastest transition time) to best suit spectral and time-domain transmission and reflectometry measurements. An internal clock is provided for stand-alone, self-triggered operation and trigger input and output allow the generators to source or respond to system triggers. Differential outputs ensure that the proliferation of gigabit differential interconnect and systems can all be addressed (e.g. SATA, USB3, HDMI, Ethernet).

Essential to any differential test or measurement is the ability to adjust for small but significant velocity and path length differences that are bound to exist in any measurement setup. The PG900 pulse outputs can each be adjusted (time-skewed) in 1 ps increments to deskew path differences before the measurement, or to deliberately stress a transmission path with timing skew.

Despite their small size and portability the PicoSource PG900 generators pack quite a punch, with integrated Step Recovery Diode outputs of up to 6 V pk each into 50 Ω. That’s a whopping 12 V pk differential pulse amplitude to drive lossy paths or stress system ports. Outputs are adjustable in 10 mV steps down to 2.5 V pk. A user-settable amplitude limit is provided to protect more sensitive system ports and 20 dB attenuators are supplied fitted to the pulse outputs for small-signal and optimum-match applications.

Step Recovery variable amplitude pulse

The positive (fast rise) and negative (fast fall) pulses are both ground referenced and each pulses in opposite polarity to their user selected amplitude. This amplitude (the 'mark') is held for the user-selected pulse width and then returns to ground. Further pulses are prevented for the user set hold-off period and thereafter will repeat at 40 ns after the next received trigger. When the internal clock is selected, the pulse will repeat at the user-set period and holdoff is inactive. An output trigger is generated 40 ns before every pulse, however initiated.

The negative (fast fall) pulse can be selected for even faster transition time by selecting 'fast' rather than 'smooth' mode. Pulse aberration is compromised but transition time is typically 45 ps and spectral content extends to around 14 GHz @ –10 dB.

Tunnel Diode Head fixed-amplitude pulse

The positive (fast rise) and negative (fast fall) pulses are both ground-referenced and each pulses in opposite polarity to its user-selected amplitude. This amplitude (the 'mark') is held for the user-selected pulse width and then returns to ground. Further pulses are prevented for the user-set holdoff period and thereafter will repeat at 40 ns after the next received trigger. When the internal clock is selected, the pulse will repeat at the user-set period and holdoff is inactive. An output trigger is generated 40 ns prior to every pulse, however initiated.

The negative (fast fall) pulse can be selected for even faster transition time by selecting 'fast' rather than 'smooth' mode. Pulse aberration is compromised but transition time is typically 45 ps and spectral content extends to around 14 GHz @ –10 dB.

Testimonials

I have been using my 4224 PicoScope for years. I travel abroad so this has been ideal due to its physical size. Storage of waveforms on my Laptop is very easy allowing me to quickly email waveforms to my Colleagues.

Andrew

Not many USB scopes works on Win & Mac & Linux too, so that proves me that guys from Pico really cares about us, customers. This made my decision much easier when I was looking to buy an USB scope.

Raul Trifan

We have been using Picoscope 6404D for quite some time, and are amazed by its accuracy and powerful emulations while working with numerous signal evaluations.

J Mohanty

PicoLog TC-08: This is a very nice unit that works consistently and reliably.

Jeff Hulett

It is a great scope. I had a weird problem - it did not work on one of my PC’s. Customer service gave me first class service. If I could give 6 stars for customer service - I would do so.

Niels Larsen

Perfect Partner for Development of Encoder controlled Stepper Motor Actuators. Since the included software is really stable, this type of device is a great tool for great tasks!

Helmut Schoettner

A superb piece of equipment worth its weight in gold

Nigel Clinch

So simple to use & beats any other I have ever used hands down.

John D Samsing

Great functionality in a compact size. I really like moving the mouse pointer to a position and having the Time and Voltage display the values at that point. Calibration equipment is a breeze with that feature.